[Yonhap Photo]
South Korea will launch a military program to develop an unmanned and autonomous ground vehicle by 2019 for multiple missions such as surveillance patrol, close combat, and transportation.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said it would team up with Hanwha Techwin, a defense contractor, to develop the unmanned reconnaissance and combat vehicle weighing less than 1.5 tons. That will feature autonomous or remote controlled driving under off-road conditions.
The vehicle will be mounted with firearms, surveillance cameras, sensors, and other equipment so that it can carry out various missions, using a remote controller and a drone, the state agency said, adding the project would help South Korea expand the application of unmanned technology in the ground weapon system.
It will be transformed easily on the sport to transport patients and supplies, the agency said.
According to IHS Jane's 360, which provides defense and security information and analysis, Hanwha showcased a scale model in September -- a hybrid-electric unmanned ground vehicle fitted with a remote weapon system.
The Hanwha model, which measures 4.3 m long and 2.5 m wide, is powered by a fuel cell or lithium ion battery that provides electricity to six wheel hub motors that support a maximum road speed of 60 kilometers (36 miles) per hour.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com